Knitting for Charity

There are lots of ways to help animals and to help the charities helping them. One is to get your knitting needles out and buy some wool, and to get knitting! This could be a great way to while away the winter months in front of the television, a hot drink to hand, knowing that as you sit in warmth and comfort, you're helping to give animals the chance to enjoy the same.

Knit with purpose and help animals as you plain and pearl, cast on and off, work your way through patterns and produce your own knitted goodies...

So here are some animal charities you can do some volunteer knitting for... As always, we'll keep adding as we find new ideas!

Knit for Vet Kits help SPANA care for working animals. The free Big Knit for Vet Kit fundraising pack has patterns for Duncan the donkey, Hattie the horse, Oscar the ox and Emma the elephant, and you can also crochet Clarence the camel. It also has a sponsorship form, and donation envelope; so all you need to do is get your knitting needles out and select your wool. Click here to trot off for more information

Get knitting for Cats! Cats Protection are asking cat loving knitters to knit blankets and mice to make Christmas more comfortable and fun for the cats in their care. They are launching their appeal for these at the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate this November and there, you can pick up patterns for the popular Captain Cat-Battler knitted mouse, originally designed by Lauren O'Farrell. If you can't get to the show, fear not - you can call the charity's helpline on 03000 12 12 12 and you can drop off your knitted contributions at Cats Protection centres, shops and volunteer-led branches. Visit Cats Protection here

Help Woodgreen, the Animal Charity, with their Winter Warmer Appeal. You can download a range of patterns in different sizes from large animals to the tiny. They are based in Cambridgeshire.

Many Tears Animal Rescue in South Wales need your help and knitting. Your knitting can help keep their dogs extra warm in winter. They also sell coats and ohter knitted items in their second-hand shopand at events to help raise funds. Crochet items are also gratefully received but not crochet coats or blankets - dogs tend to get their claws caught in them.